When you lower home heat gain, you stand to enjoy significant savings on your cooling costs. One of the easiest way to lower home heat gain is to install and use window treatments that will prevent hot outdoor air from penetrating into your home.
Installing thick drapes over large windows is very effective at reducing heat gain, as they deaden the effect of the sunlight and heat that strike the windows during the hottest hours of the day. As an alternative, consider blinds, as they give you the ability to let some natural light in if desired, while shutting heat out. If you're seeking a solution for the exterior of your house, shutters are an excellent choice. They provide similar preventive action, all while improving the aesthetic value and curb appeal of your home.
In order for these window treatments to be optimally effective, you also have to address any cracks or leaks around your windows that may let hot air into your home. Adding caulking and/or weatherstripping around your windows will seal any gaps or leaks, making it easier for you to keep heat gain under control.
Beyond window treatments, there are other steps you can take to lower home heat gain. Installing reflective films literally bounces heat away from your house, and shade-producing accessories like overhangs and awnings also go a long way towards keeping things cooler indoors.
Finally, be sure to upgrade your insulation if you want to enjoy boosted indoor comfort all year round. In the summer, insulation helps to keep your home cool, preventing outdoor heat from infiltrating your home, raising the temperature inside your living spaces. It'll also pull double duty during winter, acting as a barrier to keep heat inside your home.
For further advice on ways to lower home heat gain, please don't hesitate to contact the home comfort experts here at Rodenhiser Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning. We've been serving homeowners in the 495/128 area of Massachusetts since 1929, and we've built an unparalleled reputation for service excellence.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Solutions Guide.